The Hunger Games Earns Third-Biggest Opening of All-Time

Following astounding takes at both midnight showings and overall on opening day, The Hunger Games has shocked even its most ardent followers by earning $155 million between Friday and Sunday, the third biggest opening of all-time in Hollywood.

"It was the perfect storm. Having the first film in a franchise to be so gigantic is amazing. We had a great book and a great director in Gary Ross," said Lionsgate president of marketing Tim Palen.

Last year, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 set the mark for best debut with $169.2 million; while The Dark Knight took in $158.4 million in 2008.

But The Hunger Games is now the record-holder for opening weekends in terms of non-summer films and non-sequels. It shot past Spider-Man 3 ($151.1 million in 2007), The Twilight Saga: New Moon ($142.8 million in 2009) and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 ($138.1 million last year) late on Saturday.

Yes, Katniss Everdeen may be The Girl on Fire. But she's also starring in The Movie on Fire, that's for sure. Here's a look at the top 10 box office results from an incredible weekend:

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I read a lot about how she was too old to play 16-year-old Katniss. Looking at this pic, and some others, she looks so much ygueonr than her age, especially 16. She looks great for Katniss and I hope her acting is equally great.

thg•April 02, 2012 08:50

i agree with you Elaine, it's definitely better to watch a vampire having sex with a 100+ younger teenage girl or watch this girl being ready to die cause this vamp left her. yup, i agree! kids should watch twilight! cause showing to ppl that unselfish love and courage is more important than stupid romance and cowardness, is too mainstream these days... GO WATCH HUNGER GAMES PPL! it's just an amazing movie and the book is even better

Misty•March 27, 2012 12:32

I absolutely love the book series. I saw the movie last night, although it was a great movie, I would have preferred to be able to hear Katniss thoughts, it left alot to the imagination.

Elaine•March 27, 2012 10:43

The movie was to predictable and why would anyone want to watch children being killed..This movie is not for children and I seen alot of them there for this movie..

KatnissFan•March 26, 2012 15:53

Awesome movie! The books are amazing and the movie for book 3 I think will shake us to the core if its made the way it should be!!! "May the odds be ever in your favor."

Aisha•March 26, 2012 02:28

Excellent movie.such a great work on this movie.

Nara C•March 25, 2012 21:25

I can't wait to c this movie. Cambodia waiting for u the hunger games.